Coats Given Away Throughout Rhode Island on Black Friday

Published at 12:20 PM EST on Nov 27, 2015

Receive the latest new-england updates in your inbox

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 16: A woman in a parka walks on a Manhattan street during frigidly cold weather on February 16, 2015 in New York City. With temperatures in the teens, New York City is under a Winter Weather Advisory as more snow is forecast for the region tonight and tomorrow. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Hundreds of people in need have picked up winter coats on the Rhode Island Statehouse lawn during the state's annual "Buy Nothing Day" on Black Friday.

Event spokesman Greg Gerritt says the goal of the 19th annual winter coat exchange is to provide warm coats to those who need them and highlight the negative effects of consumerism.

He says he was amazed at the generosity of the donors and volunteers.

Mary Baker, of Johnston, donated a car trunk full of coats. She says she wanted to give to others on Black Friday instead of shopping.

Amanda Bruscini, of Providence, says she went to the exchange to find winter coats for her two daughters. She says she can't afford coats in the mall.